Austin, TX
Austin elderly man accused of setting multiple fires in downtown has first hearing
Man back in court for arson charges
Austin businessman and real estate investor, Dorsey Bryan Hardeman, is accused of setting fires at different locations in Austin.
AUSTIN, Texas – An elderly man had his first hearing after being indicted for multiple felonies. Austin businessman and real estate investor, Dorsey Bryan Hardeman, is accused of setting fires at different locations in Austin.
There were four fires in three months and fire investigators said one man is behind them all.
Hardeman, 75, is the owner of Continental Automotive Group, which operates several car dealerships in Texas. Ironically, Hardeman’s car is what investigators said helped link him to the fires.
AFD said the first fire was intentionally set on Christmas 2023 at an empty building at 500 Pampa Drive. A real estate group said Hardeman had made an offer to purchase the property in June 2023, but it wasn’t accepted.
Austin car dealer suspected of multiple fires
Arson investigators say one of Austin’s biggest car dealers could be connected to several fires in the city.
On February 17 and February 20, AFD responded to fires at 4811 South Congress Avenue. Court documents said Hardeman was a partner in the business that owned the land. Investigators said those fires were intentionally set in an effort to clear the property of two remaining mobile homes that were hindering the property’s future development.
The fourth fire happened five days later at the old Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop location at 400 Nueces Street. Investigators said the door lock had been drilled out and inside the fire sprinkler system was on and containing the fires. The owner of the empty building said Hardeman owned the property next door and had previously inquired about purchasing his, but no sale was ever made.
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Man caught on camera setting fire to building
Austin businessman Dorsey Hardeman was caught on camera setting a building on fire in Downtown Austin and investigators believe he may be connected to another arson case.
During all four fires, Hardeman’s Mercedes-Benz SUV was seen on the properties. Fire investigators said they were all set by gasoline and matches.
Hardeman has been indicted on two counts of arson, two counts of arson intending to damage a habitat or place of worship, and one count of burglary of a building.
A private wealth management company and a bank have been subpoenaed for records associated with Hardeman, his wife, and nine different business accounts.
Hardeman is currently out on bond. His next hearing, which he is supposed to show up for, is set for Dec. 4, 2024. Hardeman’s attorney said he expects to resolve the case or go to trial in 2025.
AUSTIN, Texas — APD SWAT responded to a barricaded subject in East Austin Saturday afternoon.
According to police, the incident took place near the 3400 block of Kay St., and officers responded to the call at around 1:30 p.m.
Once officers arrived, they made contact with a victim who “advised of circumstances that met the state law requirement of assault with a deadly weapon family violence.” Shortly after, the suspect barricaded themselves inside the residence.
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Austin Police officers, SWAT, hostage negotiators, and Austin-Travis County EMS were still on the scene and the suspect was still barricaded as of 6:15 p.m.
People are being encouraged to avoid the area due to increased police presence, or stay in a safe location if they are unable to avoid the area.
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This is a developing story and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
A 27-year-old Pflugerville man faces capital murder charges for allegedly killing his parents and his brother, according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. The bodies of 62-year-old Armand, 63-year-old Jami and 31-year-old Noah Dahan were found by deputies conducting a welfare check Thursday at their home on Civorno Drive. Deputies said the victims had suffered gunshot wounds. https://www.kxan.com/news/crime/tcso-pflugerville-triple-homicide/
AUSTIN, Texas — The Long Center just dropped details on The Drop-In, a free summer concert series on the outdoor H-E-B Stage.
The Levitt VIBE Austin Music Series, which is partnered with KUTX 98.9, begins May 21 and takes place every Thursday except July 2.
On Friday, the center released the 23 artists performing:
- Bonnie Montgomery
- CAZAYOUX
- Como Las Movies
- Fastball
- Felt Out
- francene rouelle
- Girl Guitar’s Rhinestone Renegades
- Grace Sorensen
- Gus Baldwin & The Sketch
- Hayden Butler
- Jackie Venson
- Je’Texas
- KindKeith
- Lew Apollo
- Lindsay Beaver
- Los Desechos
- LUCIRI
- Mean Jolene
- Paige Plaisance
- Ruthie Craft
- Sue Foley
- Sweet Limb
- The Magic Rockers of Texas
A social media poster for the event also featured a redacted performer’s name, hinting at a surprise guest.
On Monday, the Long Center will open RSVPs for The Drop-In, with Long Center members getting first dibs on those RSVPs. Members also enjoy early entrance and a special lounge.
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